Insat-2E becomes the third satellite on which VSNL is offering broadcasting facilities, other satellites being Intelsat 66 degrees satellite and new skies at 57 degrees, a VSNL statement said here today.

Initial broadcast has begun for Vijaya and Asianet channels, while other channels will be progressively added during the month, it said.

Launched in April last from French Kourou, Insat-2E has 17 high power transponders, of which 10 are capable of providing `zonal beam' that can provide coverage over India, South East Asia and China.

Uplinking from Indian soil has become possible as a result of the initiatives announced by the government late last year permitting Indian companies with 80 per equity to uplink.